Minister Scullion: Investing in Indigenous students across Queensland

$7.3 million for the Townsville Catholic Education Office to create 579 scholarship places for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Part of the Coalition Government’s $5 billion Indigenous Advancement Strategy

Families across Queensland will benefit from the creation of around 570 scholarship places for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

The Townsville Catholic Education Office will receive a $7.3 million funding boost to enable Indigenous students to gain a quality secondary school education in the region, from Ingham to Charters Towers.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion said the funding was part of a $57 million investment in scholarships.

“The Coalition Government is creating more than 1500 secondary scholarships for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women each year,” said Minister Scullion.

“A good education is absolutely key to closing the gap. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who have the same level of academic achievement as non-Indigenous children at the age of 15 go on to complete Year 12 and higher education at the same rates.”

Townsville based Government Senator Ian Macdonald said the Townsville Catholic Education Office had a strong record and there was a high demand for scholarship places in Diocesan schools.

“Scholarships play an important role in promoting Year 12 attainment, academic achievement and culture and identity. This funding will support boarding accommodation and post-school pathways to further study and employment,” said Senator Macdonald.

“Townsville Catholic Education is to be congratulated for their success in the great results they have delivered to date, by working closely with students, families and the broader community to support students to succeed in year 12 and beyond.”

Nationwide, over 5700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from remote communities need to study away from their home each year. It’s crucial that these students are supported to thrive and succeed.

The Coalition Government also provides direct assistance to Indigenous boarding students through a $100 million ABSTUDY package.

The Coalition Government has made an unparalleled investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from early childhood through to university. This investment was boosted in May with the announcement of a $138 million Indigenous Education Package, which includes a new focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.